Barcelona Confirm £142m Coutinho Arrival, €400m Buyout Clause

Barcelona have confirmed the arrival of Brazilian star Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool.

The LaLiga leaders first announced the £142m move on Saturday night with a short video on their Twitter handle unveiling Countinho’s locker in their dressing room before a more comprehensive announcement on their official website.
“FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Philippe Coutinho,” Barcelona stated on their website.
“The player will sign a contract for the remainder of the season and five more, and will have a buyout clause of 400 million euros.
“In the next hours we will inform you of the details of the player’s arrival and presentation.

“Born on 12 June, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Phillipe Coutinho is one of the most talented midfielders in the world with the potential to get even better.

“The Brazilian has shown his talent and class at the highest level with Premier League club Liverpool and with the Brazilian national side.

“Coutinho began his footballing journey in his home town with Vasco de Gama. At the age of just 18 he moved to Europe to begin a new stage of his career at Serie A giants Inter Milan with whom he would go to make his Champions League debut.

“After two and half seasons in Milan and six months in Barcelona with the city’s other club Espanyol, Coutinho made the move to the Premier League when he signed for Liverpool in January 2013. With the five times European Champions, the Brazilian quickly established himself as a key player at the club.”

The club went on to describe the qualities that attracted them to Countinho.

“The Brazilian is a versatile presence in the squad as his technical ability and vision allow him to play in midfield,” Barca noted.
“His attacking instincts also mean that he is equally at home in a more advanced role on the wing. Coutinho is quick and always willing to take on defenders and his nose for goal is undeniable as he scored 13 times for Liverpool last season.

“A Brazilian international since his debut in 2010, he played in the Copa América in 2015 and 2016 for his country as well as playing a vital part in helping the ‘canarinha’ qualify for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.”